Mr. Wilson. He wished for vigor in the Govt. but he
wished that vigorous authority to flow immediately from
the legitimate source of all authority. The Govt. ought to
possess not only 1st. the force but 2ndly. the mind or sense
of the people at large. The Legislature ought to be the
most exact transcript of the whole Society. Representation
is made necessary only because it is impossible for the people
to act collectively. The opposition was to be expected
he said from the Governments, not from the Citizens of the
States. The latter had parted as was observed (by Mr.
King) with all the necessary powers; and it was immaterial
to them, by whom they were exercised, if well exercised.
The State officers were to be losers of power. The people
he supposed would be rather more attached to the national
Govt. than to the State Govts. as being more important
in itself, and more flattering to their pride. There is
no danger of improper elections if made by large districts.
Bad elections proceed from the smallness of the districts
which give an opportunity to bad men to intrigue themselves
into office.